Camaya Coast
Encyclopedia
Camaya Coast is a popular beach
and the name of the surrounding 300-hectare suburb
in Mariveles, Bataan
, Philippines
. Camaya Coast is located 7 kilometers west of the Bataan Export Processing Zone
business district, in the local government area of Mariveles
, Bataan
, the Philippines
. In early 2010s Property developer Earth & Shore Leisure Communities Corporation invested some 350 Million Peso
s in developing the beach resort and residential community along the coastline of Wain
. Hence, Camaya Coast also refers to the 354-hectare residential, commercial and community development project of Earth and Shore Leisure Communities Corporation.
. The Bataan Museum records that Camaya means "the place where a flight of the mythological tikbalangs (horse-men) took place".
In 1573, about 3,000 Chinese pirates led by Limahong
first landed in Wain and the adjacent Lusong beaches to start an attempt to conquer the whole of Luzon. He lost in the battle of Manila and escaped to Lingayen, Pangasinan
. In 1829, the Spanish priest Fr. Guillermo de la Paz received a grant of land in the area. In 1858, Eduardo Perez y Magallanes and Francisco Bien purchased 200 acre (0.809372 km²) of the Camaya area that included most of the beach frontage, which was named the "The Wain Estate." Perez was Bien's father-in-law. Between 1855 and 1877 Bien purchased his father-in-law's share of the land, renamed the land the "Hacienda Biaan," after the abundant fish, "bia" (Bathygobius fuscus
) and made the beach and the surrounding land available his relatives for dried fish processing and as a picnic ground. As the beach became increasingly popular, Bien threatened to stop public beach access. However, later American-sponsored Municipal Council believed that the government needed to intervene to make the beach a public reserve. On 9 June 1908, the Camaya Coast became a public beach. Japanese soldiers secured the place during the Japanese Occupation
(1942–44) right after the Battle of the Points. On February 1945, Filipino-American troops recovered the place from Japanese hands. On 6 February 1948, 2 people drowned and over a hundred people were rescued after a series of large waves struck the beach and pulled people back into the sea, a day that became known as "Domingo de Dolores".
Camaya Coast was a working class suburb throughout most of the twentieth century. Following World War II, Camaya Coast became home for American
and Japanese
war veterans who chose to immigrate to the place, while a steady stream of European immigration continues into the 21st century mainly from Germany
, Italy
and France
, who made business from orchards of cashew
, duhat
and mango
trees in the area.
An ordinance governing the decency of swimming costumes was in force between 1935 and 1961, and resulted in public controversy as the two-piece "bikini
" became popular after World War II. Bataan Council's beach inspectors, including the legendary Marcelo Magno, were responsible for enforcing the law and were required to measure the dimensions of swimwear and order offenders against public decency
off the beach. The rule became increasingly anachronistic during the 1950s and was replaced in 1961 with one requiring bathers be "clad in a proper and adequate bathing costume", allowing for more subjective judgement of decency. By the 1980s bathing had become common at Camaya Coast, especially at the southern end.
Bataan's Water Sewage and Sewerage Administration maintained an untreated sewage outlet not far from the south end of the beach which was closed in the mid 1990s. A sewage treatment plant and silt trap were completed in early 2011.
known as the "Backpackers' Express" because of its proximity to a bus stop, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for skimboarding
. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.
There is an underwater shark net
shared, during the summer months, with other beaches along the southern part of the coast. Pods of dolphins and turtles have been sighted in the bay during the months of migration. Japanese Sparrowhawk
s, while uncommon, are sometimes also seen flying close to shore or amongst surfers in southern line-up.
In 1985, the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot was set at Camaya Coast, with 825 women wearing bikinis taking part.
Camaya Coast was added to the Philippine National Heritage List in 2008.
Fun Run which is held each year in August. The race attracts over a hundred entrants who complete the 14 km run from the central business district
of Mariveles
to Camaya Coast. Other annual activities at Camaya Coast include Pawikan Festival, Bataan's premier environmental festival in January, Aquathlon
in May, World Environment Day in June, and Sculpture By The Coast in November. In addition to many activities, the Camaya Beach Markets is open every Sunday. Many American and German tourists spend Easter
at the beach.
A ferryboat plies the Manila-Camaya route: from CCP
Complex in Manila to the beaches of Mariveles, Bataan
and back.
Camaya Pavilion is a community cultural center, located right on Camaya Coast, which features a theater, gallery, rehearsal, meeting and function rooms, art workshop, studios. Camaya Pavilion is the centre for major festivals performances throughout the year.
of the area. Nonetheless it remains a diverse community. According to the 2006 census, there were 1,171 persons usually resident in Camaya Coast. Country of Birth of these residents was Philippines 41.0%, followed by Australia 6.2%, England 3.8%, Germany 1.9%, Malaysia 1.3% and Indonesia 1.1%. English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 58.4% of persons. The most common languages other than English spoken at home were: Tagalog 2.0%, Spanish 1.4%, French 1.4%, German 1.2% and Mariveleño
0.9%. The most common responses for religious affiliation for persons usually resident were Roman Catholic 20.7%, "No religion" 18.5%, Protestant 10.0%, Muslim 8.0%, and Buddhist 2.0%.
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
and the name of the surrounding 300-hectare suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
in Mariveles, Bataan
Mariveles, Bataan
Mariveles is a 1st class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 102,844 people in 19,460 households...
, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. Camaya Coast is located 7 kilometers west of the Bataan Export Processing Zone
Bataan Export Processing Zone
The Bataan Export Processing Zone, commonly known as BEPZ, is a special economic zone in Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines. It is the first "free trade zone" in the Philippines established through the enactment of Republic Act No. 5490 by Congress of the Philippines...
business district, in the local government area of Mariveles
Mariveles
Mariveles may refer to:* Mariveles, Bataan * Mariveles Mountains...
, Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...
, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. In early 2010s Property developer Earth & Shore Leisure Communities Corporation invested some 350 Million Peso
Philippine peso
The peso is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos . Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so "peso" was the name used...
s in developing the beach resort and residential community along the coastline of Wain
Mariveles, Bataan
Mariveles is a 1st class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 102,844 people in 19,460 households...
. Hence, Camaya Coast also refers to the 354-hectare residential, commercial and community development project of Earth and Shore Leisure Communities Corporation.
History
"Camaya" or "Kamaya" is a Sanskrit word meaning water breaking over rocks or noise of water breaking over rocks. Kamaya was the ancient name of MarivelesMariveles
Mariveles may refer to:* Mariveles, Bataan * Mariveles Mountains...
. The Bataan Museum records that Camaya means "the place where a flight of the mythological tikbalangs (horse-men) took place".
In 1573, about 3,000 Chinese pirates led by Limahong
Limahong
Limahong, Lim Hong or also called Lin Feng was a notorious Chinese pirate and warlord who invaded the northern Philippine Islands in 1574. He built up a reputation for his constant raids to ports in Guangdong, Fujian and southern China...
first landed in Wain and the adjacent Lusong beaches to start an attempt to conquer the whole of Luzon. He lost in the battle of Manila and escaped to Lingayen, Pangasinan
Lingayen, Pangasinan
Lingayen is a 1st class municipality in the province of Pangasinan on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It is the capital municipality and the seat of government of the province of Pangasinan. According to the latest census, it has a population of 95,773 people in 16,467 households.Lingayen...
. In 1829, the Spanish priest Fr. Guillermo de la Paz received a grant of land in the area. In 1858, Eduardo Perez y Magallanes and Francisco Bien purchased 200 acre (0.809372 km²) of the Camaya area that included most of the beach frontage, which was named the "The Wain Estate." Perez was Bien's father-in-law. Between 1855 and 1877 Bien purchased his father-in-law's share of the land, renamed the land the "Hacienda Biaan," after the abundant fish, "bia" (Bathygobius fuscus
Goby
The gobies form the family Gobiidae, which is one of the largest families of fish, with more than 2,000 species in more than 200 genera. Most are relatively small, typically less than 10 cm in length...
) and made the beach and the surrounding land available his relatives for dried fish processing and as a picnic ground. As the beach became increasingly popular, Bien threatened to stop public beach access. However, later American-sponsored Municipal Council believed that the government needed to intervene to make the beach a public reserve. On 9 June 1908, the Camaya Coast became a public beach. Japanese soldiers secured the place during the Japanese Occupation
Japanese occupation of the Philippines
The Japanese occupation of the Philippines was the period in the history of the Philippines between 1942 and 1945, when the Empire of Japan occupied the previously American-controlled Philippines during World War II....
(1942–44) right after the Battle of the Points. On February 1945, Filipino-American troops recovered the place from Japanese hands. On 6 February 1948, 2 people drowned and over a hundred people were rescued after a series of large waves struck the beach and pulled people back into the sea, a day that became known as "Domingo de Dolores".
Camaya Coast was a working class suburb throughout most of the twentieth century. Following World War II, Camaya Coast became home for American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Japanese
Japanese people
The are an ethnic group originating in the Japanese archipelago and are the predominant ethnic group of Japan. Worldwide, approximately 130 million people are of Japanese descent; of these, approximately 127 million are residents of Japan. People of Japanese ancestry who live in other countries...
war veterans who chose to immigrate to the place, while a steady stream of European immigration continues into the 21st century mainly from Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, who made business from orchards of cashew
Cashew
The cashew is a tree in the family Anacardiaceae. Its English name derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the cashew tree, caju, which in turn derives from the indigenous Tupi name, acajú. It is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew nuts and cashew apples.-Etymology:The...
, duhat
Jambul
Jambul is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant family Myrtaceae. Jambul is native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia...
and mango
Mango
The mango is a fleshy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. The mango is native to India from where it spread all over the world. It is also the most cultivated fruit of the tropical world. While...
trees in the area.
An ordinance governing the decency of swimming costumes was in force between 1935 and 1961, and resulted in public controversy as the two-piece "bikini
Bikini
The bikini is typically a women's two-piece swimsuit. One part of the attire covers the breasts and the other part covers the crotch and part of or the entire buttocks, leaving an uncovered area between the two. Merriam–Webster describes the bikini as "a woman's scanty two-piece bathing suit" or "a...
" became popular after World War II. Bataan Council's beach inspectors, including the legendary Marcelo Magno, were responsible for enforcing the law and were required to measure the dimensions of swimwear and order offenders against public decency
Indecent exposure
Indecent exposure is the deliberate exposure in public or in view of the general public by a person of a portion or portions of his or her body, in circumstances where the exposure is contrary to local moral or other standards of appropriate behavior. Indecent exposure laws vary in different...
off the beach. The rule became increasingly anachronistic during the 1950s and was replaced in 1961 with one requiring bathers be "clad in a proper and adequate bathing costume", allowing for more subjective judgement of decency. By the 1980s bathing had become common at Camaya Coast, especially at the southern end.
Bataan's Water Sewage and Sewerage Administration maintained an untreated sewage outlet not far from the south end of the beach which was closed in the mid 1990s. A sewage treatment plant and silt trap were completed in early 2011.
The Beach
Camaya Coast is about one kilometre long (≈0.6 miles) and receives many visitors throughout the year. Surf Life Saving Philippines has given different hazard ratings to Camaya Coast in 2004. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 6 due to a rip currentRip current
A rip current, commonly referred to by the misnomer rip tide, is a strong channel of water flowing seaward from near the shore, typically through the surf line. Typical flow is at 0.5 metres per second , and can be as fast as 2.5 metres per second...
known as the "Backpackers' Express" because of its proximity to a bus stop, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for skimboarding
Skimboarding
Skimboarding . is used to glide across the water's surface. Unlike surfing, skimboarding begins on the beach by dropping the board onto the thin wash of previous waves. Skimboarders use their momentum to 'skim' out to breaking waves, which they then catch back into shore in a manner similar to...
. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.
There is an underwater shark net
Shark net
A shark net is a submerged net placed around beaches to reduce shark attacks on swimmers.Shark nets do not offer complete protection but work on the principle of "fewer sharks, fewer attacks". They reduce occurrence via shark mortality. Reducing the local shark populations is believed to reduce the...
shared, during the summer months, with other beaches along the southern part of the coast. Pods of dolphins and turtles have been sighted in the bay during the months of migration. Japanese Sparrowhawk
Japanese Sparrowhawk
The Japanese Sparrowhawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as eagles, buzzards and harriers....
s, while uncommon, are sometimes also seen flying close to shore or amongst surfers in southern line-up.
In 1985, the Guinness World Record for the largest swimsuit photo shoot was set at Camaya Coast, with 825 women wearing bikinis taking part.
Camaya Coast was added to the Philippine National Heritage List in 2008.
Sport and recreation
Camaya Coast is the end point of the City to SurfCity to Surf
City2Surf is a popular road running event held annually in Sydney, Australia covering a course. The event is a "fun run" as well as a race, attracting both serious runners and community participants who can choose to run or to walk...
Fun Run which is held each year in August. The race attracts over a hundred entrants who complete the 14 km run from the central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
of Mariveles
Mariveles
Mariveles may refer to:* Mariveles, Bataan * Mariveles Mountains...
to Camaya Coast. Other annual activities at Camaya Coast include Pawikan Festival, Bataan's premier environmental festival in January, Aquathlon
Aquathlon
The sport of aquathlon consists of a continuous, two-stage race involving swimming followed by running. The International Triathlon Union and its member federation organizations sanction competitions and govern the sport...
in May, World Environment Day in June, and Sculpture By The Coast in November. In addition to many activities, the Camaya Beach Markets is open every Sunday. Many American and German tourists spend Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
at the beach.
A ferryboat plies the Manila-Camaya route: from CCP
Cultural Center of the Philippines
The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a government-owned and controlled corporation established to preserve, develop and promote arts and culture in the Philippines. The CCP was established through Executive Order No. 30 s. 1966 by President Ferdinand Marcos...
Complex in Manila to the beaches of Mariveles, Bataan
Mariveles, Bataan
Mariveles is a 1st class municipality in the province of Bataan, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 102,844 people in 19,460 households...
and back.
Commercial area
Camaya Coast has a commercial area along Wain Point and adjacent side streets. Camaya Coast features many popular cafes, restaurants and hotels, with spectacular views of the beach. Beach Villa Hotel is a famous landmark opposite the beach featuring a number of popular bars and restaurants. The nearby Grand Hotel Camaya is also a landmark development.Camaya Pavilion is a community cultural center, located right on Camaya Coast, which features a theater, gallery, rehearsal, meeting and function rooms, art workshop, studios. Camaya Pavilion is the centre for major festivals performances throughout the year.
Culture and events
Numerous festivals and events such as the annual Miss Camaya beauty pageant have made Camaya Coast a popular destination among travellers. The beach has long captured the attention of poets including Jose Garcia Villa and Semyon Aranovich. A skimboarding competition called Skim-O-Rama is held in February every year.Pop culture
Camaya Coast has been used as a location for a few Philippine and International movies, various television series as well as music videos and a video game.- The 1959 film version of Summer of the Seventeenth DollSummer of the Seventeenth DollSummer of the Seventeenth Doll is a pioneering Australian play written by Ray Lawler and first performed at the Union Theatre in Melbourne, Australia, on 28 November 1955...
featured the characters drinking beer at the Camaya Coast Beer Club. - BoraBora-Performers:* Bora, a Korean pop artist in the group Sistar* Bora Yoon, experimental sound artist and composer / performer based in NYC-Geography:...
is a semi-factual television series filmed on Camaya Coast. - Doc Camaya is a factual television series filmed at Camaya Coast and surrounding suburbs.
Demographics
An article in the Manila Bulletin, 6 December 1999 noted the increasing gentrificationGentrification
Gentrification and urban gentrification refer to the changes that result when wealthier people acquire or rent property in low income and working class communities. Urban gentrification is associated with movement. Consequent to gentrification, the average income increases and average family size...
of the area. Nonetheless it remains a diverse community. According to the 2006 census, there were 1,171 persons usually resident in Camaya Coast. Country of Birth of these residents was Philippines 41.0%, followed by Australia 6.2%, England 3.8%, Germany 1.9%, Malaysia 1.3% and Indonesia 1.1%. English was stated as the only language spoken at home by 58.4% of persons. The most common languages other than English spoken at home were: Tagalog 2.0%, Spanish 1.4%, French 1.4%, German 1.2% and Mariveleño
Mariveleño language
Mariveleño or Bataan is a Sambalic language. It has around 500 speakers and is spoken within an Aeta community in Mariveles in the Philippines.-See also:*Languages of the Philippines...
0.9%. The most common responses for religious affiliation for persons usually resident were Roman Catholic 20.7%, "No religion" 18.5%, Protestant 10.0%, Muslim 8.0%, and Buddhist 2.0%.
Notable residents
- Gary ValencianoGary ValencianoEdgardo Jose Martin Santiago Valenciano , better known as Gary Valenciano or Gary V., is a Filipino musician. He is also dubbed as Mr. Pure Energy. He has released 26 albums, and won the Awit Awards for "Best Male Performer" 11 times. In 1998, he became UNICEF Philippines first national Ambassador...
, singer-dancer-entertainer - Vic Sotto, politician-actor-television personality
- Pokwang, TV presenter-actress-enterteiner
- In March 2010, Mariveles Council started proceedings to evict a hermit who was living in squalor on a cliff overlooking the beach. Pedro Flores, calling himself "Boy Camaya", came to the beach during the 2000 Camaya Aquathlon and became a local celebrity for his lifestyle and poetry recitals to visitors. Residents and tourists put together a "save the hermit" petition to allow him to continue residing but under certain rules. In 2011, he was arrested and charged for the rape of a tourist. While he was in custody, the Mariveles council removed his belongings from the cliff.
Trivia
- The Camaya Burger sold at Army Navy restaurants is named after Camaya Coast.
- Pages 56 to 74 of Philippine Cosmopolitan Magazine's April 2011 issue were shot at Camaya Coast.
External links
- "Camaya Coast" http://www.camayacoast.com.ph/
- Tiong, Steven. "Welcome to Camaya Coast" http://www.mycamaya.com
- "Welcome to Camaya Coast" http://www.camayacoast.net/
- Young, W.V. "Camaya Coast" (video). http://wvyoung.com/camaya-coast-avp/
- "Loren. Camaya Coast, Mariveles, Bataan" http://www.mybataan.com/content/view/368/96/